World
Ed Sheeran's Tour Hit as All Support Acts Quit Over Macklemore's Removal
All four scheduled openers, including Finneas and Aaron Rowe, withdrew from upcoming dates in solidarity with Macklemore, who was removed for pro-Palestinian statements.
All supporting acts scheduled for Ed Sheeran’s upcoming “Loop” tour dates have withdrawn from the line-up, citing solidarity with fellow opener Macklemore, who was removed following pro-Palestinian comments made on stage.
The departure of the four supporting acts, including singer Finneas and Aaron Rowe, follows Macklemore's removal from the US leg of the tour. Macklemore had made statements in support of Palestine during two performances at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, sparking a growing backlash that led to his eventual exclusion from the tour.
Finneas, a singer scheduled to open for Sheeran on six South American dates in November, announced his withdrawal on Tuesday afternoon. His decision came hours after Sheeran issued a lengthy statement on Instagram, explaining that he was not personally responsible for Macklemore’s removal. Sheeran indicated that pressure from venue owners had led to the decision.
Several acts who have since withdrawn from the tour have reportedly expressed concerns regarding artistic expression. The controversy underscores the increasing scrutiny faced by artists who voice political opinions during performances, particularly concerning sensitive international issues.
The collective withdrawal of the supporting artists highlights the ripple effect of Macklemore's removal and the broader implications for performers' freedom of speech within the music industry. The future of the affected tour dates and potential replacement acts remains unclear.
Reporting by the The Indian Morning Post Editorial Desk.
Related in World
One Dead, Others Trapped After Brooklyn Building Collapse
At least one person has died and 12 others sustained injuries following the collapse of a three-story building in Brooklyn's Flatbush section. Emergency services are actively searching for individuals believed to be trapped under the debris. The incident occurred at the perimeter of a construction site where another structure had recently been demolished.
12 November 2026 · 1 min read
Schools in Italy, UK, Ireland Hit by Widespread Hoax Bomb Threats
Thousands of schools across Italy, the UK, and Ireland have been targeted by widespread hoax bomb threat emails. Over 6,000 schools in Italy alone were affected by the incidents. Authorities in the affected regions have stated there appears to be no immediate risk to the public, though investigations are ongoing.
11 November 2026 · 2 min read
Virginia Man Convicted of Wife's Murder, Claimed She Died by Suicide
A Virginia man has been convicted of first-degree murder in connection with his wife's disappearance more than two years ago. Naresh Bhatt, 28, was found guilty despite his assertion that he dismembered Mamta Kafle Bhatt's body after she took her own life. Prosecutors dismissed his claim as "ridiculous" during the trial.
11 November 2026 · 1 min read
Public Rallies for Preparedness and Conservation Efforts
Citizens are demonstrating increased engagement with both immediate preparedness and long-term environmental stewardship. A government campaign has led to a surge in sales of emergency essentials, while a community near Stroud is fundraising to protect an ancient woodland.
10 November 2026 · 2 min read